Screenshot from MyFullGames
Flutter Mane can be banned in two metas. It’s already been banned in OU, and now it’s suspected in Monotype. This has been the subject of heated debate. Some feel that this older form of Misdreavus is fine for the game, as Pokemon that learn Sucker Punch and Shadow Sneak control it. However, is there really enough to stop Flutter Mane?
Flutter Mane considered the best Paradox Pokémon by many
To understand this debate, you first need to understand why Flutter Mane is such a problem to begin with. The big problem is that it has ideal stats for any special attacker. Both his Special Attack and his Speed are base 135; that means he outspeeds threats like Meowscarade, Roaring Moon, and even Jolteon.
What’s even more frustrating for players is that Flutter Mane has a base Special Defense of 135. This makes it nearly impossible for other special attackers to get back at KOing Flutter Mane with the exception of Choice Specs Dragapult (any other non-KO Dragapult with Shadow Ball).
Dragapult is also the only thing that outperforms Flutter Mane without a Choice Scarf or a speed boost move. So if it pretty much outspeeds everything and has enough power to KO most things, shouldn’t it just be considered broken?
Related: What is the evolution level of Pupitar in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Well, there is one thing that many players feel keeps Flutter Mane in check: priority. Many moves that go first (Shadow Sneak, Bullet Punch, Sucker Punch, etc.) can hit Flutter Mane pretty hard. This allows certain Pokemon, such as Scizor and Kingambit, to be fairly reliable counters.
However, these counters don’t even work all the time. Brambleghast can kill Flutter Mane with a Shadow Sneak, but only when he is wearing a Choice Band. Most other Pokemon that use Shadow Sneak (Sableye, Spiritomb, etc.) will not get a full KO.
Most Pokémon that learn Sucker Punch can beat Flutter Mane, most notably Kingambit, Lokix, and Chien Pao. However, this introduces another problem: Flutter Mane can learn Substitute. This means that she can set up a Sub, ignore Sucker Punch (since it only hits if the opponent clicks a damaging attack), and start a sweep from there.
With that being the case, it’s hard to see any meta allowing Flutter Mane with the exception of Ubers. This is what makes it, with the exception of Legendaries, a contender for the most powerful Pokemon of all time.
Do you want more Pokémon guides? MyFullGames has you covered with all of Copperajah’s weaknesses and the best counters on Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.